‘Traumatic and Chaotic’: Double Horror as Man Dies in Crash After Stabbing Partner in Exeter, Tasmania
- A man and his partner, from Perth, were visiting Tasmania and staying with relatives in Exeter when the horrific events unfolded
- The woman, in her 40s, was left with serious stab wounds and managed to call Triple-0 before being rushed to hospital
- The man, 42, died in a car crash on the West Tamar Highway just minutes after allegedly inflicting the injuries, with another woman, 39, critically injured in the collision
- Police are appealing for dashcam footage of the blue Skoda involved in the crash, as investigations into both incidents continue
A devastating series of events has left two women fighting for their lives and a community in shock after a man allegedly stabbed his partner in Exeter, Tasmania, before dying in a car crash on the West Tamar Highway.
Emergency services were called to a home in Exeter, north of Launceston, about 4:30pm on Saturday, after reports a woman had sustained serious stab wounds.
The victim, in her 40s, managed to make a phone call to Triple-0 and was then assisted by a family member before being taken to the Launceston General Hospital’s intensive care unit.
Tasmania Police Detective Inspector Stuart Greenwood said investigations indicated the injuries were inflicted by a man, 42, whom the woman had been in a relationship with for about six months.
The couple, from Perth in Western Australia, were visiting Tasmania and staying with relatives in Exeter.
“From the scene it was determined that that male had left the address in a blue Skoda and headed south on the West Tamar Highway,” Inspector Greenwood said.
“Very shortly after this, police received a report that the vehicle had been driving erratically and had been involved in a serious collision at the intersection of Atkinsons Road and the West Tamar Highway at Legana.”
The crash was called in just before 4:40pm, and a man was declared dead at the scene. Inspector Greenwood said the man, driving south, collided with a woman, 39, who was travelling north.
“That female driver has been transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital and remains in a critical condition,” he said.
Inspector Greenwood described the scene as “confronting, traumatic and chaotic”, with officers remaining at the scene until late into the night. “I would like to pass on our thoughts to the women involved, their families, and everybody else who’s witnessed this horrific incident,” he said.
As the investigation into both incidents continues, police are appealing for anyone with relevant dashcam footage or information to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.
Inspector Greenwood said of particular interest would be any footage of a blue Skoda travelling on the West Tamar Highway in the lead up to the crash.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
Security analysts say the incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Australia, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
The incident also raises concerns about the potential for violent offenders to travel interstate and commit further crimes.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the case may have been preventable, had there been better communication between authorities in Western Australia and Tasmania about the couple’s history.
“This incident is a tragic reminder of the need for greater cooperation and information-sharing between law enforcement agencies across state borders,” one expert said.
Industry observers believe the incident may also have implications for road safety in Tasmania, with the West Tamar Highway being a major arterial route.
“The incident highlights the need for continued investment in road safety measures, including improved lighting and signage, as well as enhanced enforcement of traffic laws,” a spokesperson for the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania said.
As the community comes to terms with the shocking events, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. domestic violence support services are also available for those affected by the incident.
